Council leader: No vested interest in awarding contract to physio

Cllr Jones was responding to questions at Thursday’s full council meeting about a report which appeared in Private Eye relating to concerns over the way the contract was awarded to Nantwich-based Core Fit

Cheshire East leader Michael Jones has said a decision to award a £115,000 contract to his physio’s fitness company did not lie with him – although he has admitted introducing her to the council.

Cllr Jones was responding to questions at Thursday’s full council meeting about a report which appeared in Private Eye relating to concerns over the way the contract was awarded to Nantwich-based Core Fit by Cheshire East Council.

The magazine claims that in February the council tendered a contract to provide fitness classes at primary schools and community centres and, although a number of bids were received from providers of ‘well-being services’, the tender process was cancelled the following month and the contract was awarded to Core Fit, which is run and owned by Amanda Morris.

The magazine claims Ms Morris is a close friend of the Conservative council leader.

Cllr Jones told Thursday’s meeting: “Core Fit Ltd is an idea I introduced to the council over 18 months ago. What is the motivation to bring it up now? I can tell from the people we know are behind this – and we know who they are – have their agendas.

“I will say this to you, I have always been open with everything I do and I always will, but I’m passionate, I’m driven to do the best for the residents of Cheshire East.

“Sometimes my passion runs too far. I have never denied introducing my physio and her company to the council what I would say is, you all know about this because I declared it, as I declare everything, as a good person should.

“I had no vested interest, I make no money from it, because that is who I am.

“I’m well-known and people like writing about me. I will respond to any points made about me. I apologise to anyone who thinks I like having the attention of the media, I don’t.”

Core Fit offers a scheme aimed at teaching 10 and 11-year-old’s about health and also encouraging them to have ownership of their own fitness, something Cllr Jones said he is keen on addressing, reiterating a commitment to looking after the welfare of children in the borough